Question 1

Why does the document emphasize a gap between whistle-blowing intentions and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Employees often intend to report misconduct but do not reliably follow through. The gap motivates linking cognitive states across the intention and behavior stages to organizational ethical systems.

Question 2

What cognitive states and organizational systems does the theory connect?

Accepted Answer

The theory connects employees’ cognitive states when forming whistle-blowing intentions versus when enacting behaviors, and ties each stage to elements of the organization’s ethical infrastructure.

Question 3

Which ethical infrastructure systems affect intentions versus behaviors?

Accepted Answer

High-construal values-based communication strengthens whistle-blowing intentions. Low-construal ethical accountability and ethical retaliatory systems moderate how intentions translate into whistle-blowing behaviors.